Name of organization:
Association URU
Description of organization:
Association URU was established in 2014 to promote and support meaningful participation of young people locally, in order to impact national policy and programmes. The association organizes training and peacebuilding activities in different regions of the country. Their goal is to sensitize and motivate young people, as well as local and national leaders, on the role that young people can play in a better future for the Central African Republic.
Context:
Despite the reduction of violence in the Central African Republic, the country remains in a fragile peace. Recent conflicts have occurred in the Bangassou (Ouaka) region and in Bria, which have led to the displacement of thousands. Moreover, these situations led to the increase of tensions between Muslim and Christian communities. This is characterized by an increase in hate speech on both sides. Young people in particular have contributed to the banality of hate speech.
Proposed project and expected results:
Association URU proposes to address this issue through implementing the “Speak Love” project. It will create a safe space where young people from different social and religious backgrounds can come together to understand the concept of hate speech. The project will also equip them with the tools for preventing and countering hate speech, as well as encourage awareness raising activities in their local community. Youth involved with the project will produce a briefing report and recommendations to advise government and partners on the dynamics of hate speech among young people, in line with Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) that recognized the important and positive contribution of youth in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
By the end of the project, Association URU expects to:
- Train and enhance the understanding of 40 young people on hate speech, its consequences on individuals and communities, and how small projects can be designed to counter hate speech and be implemented in local communities.
- Conduct awareness activities in 10 zones of the Central African Republic, with 1000 posters to be distributed in each zone.
- Train and involve 20 young people in conducting a field survey for the purpose of preparing a briefing report and recommendations to advise the government and partners on the dynamics of hate speech, in line with Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015).
Project coordinator: Kessy Ekomo Soignet
Contact information: contact.uru@gmail.com
Website: twitter.com/uru_car